Can Walking Barefoot Really Improve Your Health? Here's What Scientists Say
The Epoch Times
Many barefoot runners claim that common runners' injuries are due to the way that shoes distort our natural stride. But what about all the stuff on the ...
My inner curmudgeon wants to add: I disagree with disagreeing with the way someone walks. It is a photo of a step that someone took; assuming the photo is authentic, I hope we can all agree that her steps are hers to take. I can get on board with disagreeing with that photo as an ideal demonstration of proper barefooting technique, but I’m not too worried about that because anyone who takes steps like that will quickly learn not to...if they’re going any appreciable distance. I’m in favor of normalizing barefootedness, and I’m happy to see photos of people going barefoot even when they’re clearly not used to it — and perhaps especially happy because it shows new folks giving it a try.
Actually, humans tend to touch the ground with the heel first when *walking*. That's very normal, common, and nothing wrong with it.I disagree how the woman in the photo above is stepping bare feet. When you walk or run bare feet the front of your foot must touch the ground first when you step. You must not heel strike when walking or running bare feet as this makes your body come to a sudden stop and shocks your knees. When walking or running bare feet you light step and you never heel step i.e: you never put your heel down first. The problem with trainers is that people heel step hard because they got cushioning on their feet which sends shock waves to their knees and cause injury.
Your thoughts?
@CharlieGreen Your leg muscles, calf muscles, etc., are tight from running in/wearing shoes with an elevated heel. When we run barefoot, we target other leg muscles, especially the calf muscles, which elongate from the lack of a shoe heel. These muscles will get stronger the more you do it, and you shouldn't feel discomfort anymore, as long as you continue to run barefoot responsibly. Sounds like you're doing just fine. Again, welcome!